Average Dentists, General Salary in South Dakota
General Dentists in South Dakota earn an average annual salary of $166,690, which is notably below the national average of $196,440. This disparity can be attributed to several regional economic factors, including the specific demand for dental services and the overall economic landscape within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $166,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $250,035.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 270 General Dentists and a Location Quotient of 0.82, South Dakota presents a market with slightly less concentration than the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for dental professionals within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Dentists, General in South Dakota earns-15.1%below the national average.
$80.1
$3,206
$13,891
Dentists, General Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for General Dentists in South Dakota have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs and inflation likely contribute to this upward trajectory in compensation.
Dentists, General Salary Distribution in South Dakota
Career progression for General Dentists in South Dakota, as elsewhere, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more, with higher percentiles reflecting advanced expertise and a larger patient base.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $96,800 | $46.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $125,018 | $60.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $162,860 | $78.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $208,363 | $100.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $250,035 | $120.2 |
Detailed Dentists, General Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$166,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$181,580
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $166,690 in South Dakota, when considered against a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (meaning it's 8.2% cheaper than the national average), indicates that the purchasing power of a dentist's income is relatively strong locally. Despite being below the national salary benchmark, the lower cost of living can make the effective income quite competitive.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
0.607
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
South Dakota has 0.82x the national average concentration of Dentists, General jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.82 for General Dentists in South Dakota signifies that the profession is slightly less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests a potentially less saturated job market, which could offer good opportunities for new practitioners or those looking to relocate, though it also implies a moderate level of demand.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Dentists, General make in South Dakota?
The median annual salary for a Dentists, General in South Dakota is $166,690. This typically ranges from $96,800 for entry-level positions to $250,035 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Dakota is 15.1% lower than the national median of $196,440.
Is South Dakota a lucrative place for Dentists, Generals?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $166,690 is below the national average, South Dakota's lower cost of living index of 91.8 enhances the purchasing power of this income, making it a financially viable location.
Is South Dakota a good place to live for Dentists, Generals?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does the South Dakota dentist salary compare to the national average?
General Dentists in South Dakota earn an average of $166,690 annually, which is $30,000 less than the national average of $196,440.
What is the concentration of General Dentists in South Dakota?
South Dakota has a Location Quotient of 0.82 for General Dentists, indicating that the profession is slightly less concentrated there compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect a dentist's salary in South Dakota?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, South Dakota is more affordable than the national average. This means the $166,690 salary offers greater purchasing power locally than it might in a higher-cost state.
What is the total number of General Dentists in South Dakota?
There are approximately 270 General Dentists employed in South Dakota.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the South Dakota area with a job density of 0.607 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Dentists, General • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Dakota